The Inn at Meander Plantation

Escape to Virginia wine country at The Inn at Meander Plantation, an Orange, VA bed and breakfast. Just minutes from Montpelier, and centrally located an hour from Washington, DC, Fredericksburg, VA, and Charlottesville, VA, our Virginia wine country inn is an historic destination away from hectic city life. Rest, unwind and enjoy the pleasures of a simpler speed in true Virginia country inn style.

The Inn at Meander Plantation is a member of the several distinguished Virginia winery and Virginia wine country lodging associations such as, Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia, Culpeper, Madison, and Orange Chambers of Commerce, Caucus of American Innkeepers, Orange Downtown Alliance, Virginia Wine and Food Society, and the Blue Ridge Wine Way.

Awards & Accolades

Featured in Fodor's Travel Guides as
"One of the South's Best Bed and Breakfast Inns"

Rated "Most Elegant Bed and Breakfast by Arrington's Book of Lists

Rated "Best Evening Cuisine" by Arrington's Book of Lists

Chosen as one of the "Top 15 Bed and Breakfasts in America" 3 years in a row

Featured as "Best Fall Getaway," Washingtonian Magazine

Chosen as participant in Saveur Magazine's "Saveur Cooks" program

We invite you to completely relax. Stroll through formal boxwood gardens or wander woods and fields where wildlife abounds. Watch bluebirds flitter from fence to fence. Admire horses grazing on the knoll. Cool off with summertime wading in the Robinson River. Organize a game of croquet or volleyball on the rolling lawns or bike down surrounding country lanes. Swing in a strategically placed hammock that faces spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. White rockers line both levels of the expansive back porches, providing peaceful respites for sipping afternoon tea, reading a novel or watching breathtaking mountain sunsets.

Inside the grand Colonial mansion, you will find plenty of private nooks for reading, writing or quiet contemplation. Or join other guests for pleasant conversation in the parlor where Thomas Jefferson and General Lafayette were frequent visitors. A baby grand piano stands ready for impromptu concerts.

Creating the essence of Virginia wine country hospitality, unique decor and furnishings give each of our central Virginia inn's guestrooms individual warmth, character and panache.  Whether located in the grand Manor House or in one of the updated historic exterior buildings that are only footsteps away, all rooms are elegantly furnished with your comfort in mind.

Our Virginia wine country bed and breakfast guestroom amenities include:

Luxury, pressed bed linens; beds are triple sheeted.
King or queen beds; some with canopies.
Down comforters and pillows.
Quality  toiletries.
Luxurious  robes.
Bottled water.
Hair dryers.
Clock radios with CD players and assorted CDs for listening pleasure.
Coffeemakers stocked with supplies (exterior rooms).
Gas or woodburning fireplaces (most rooms).
Large private bathrooms with shower and tub.
Window air conditioners.
Iron and ironing board (available).

Our Virginia wine country bed and breakfast's prime location in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills provides guests with marvelous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of central Virginia, and the area's many hidden treasures. The Blue Ridge Mountain foothills are rich in prehistoric, Native American and Colonial history, as well as Revolutionary and Civil War history. In fact, many Civil War battles were fought very close to our Virginia bed and breakfast. Nearby Charlottesville is home to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson's estate Monticello, www.monticello.org and President James Madison's estate Montpelier www.montpelier.org is even closer to the inn. Now the region makes history with award-winning wines from the heart of Virginia's growing wine industry.

The Inn at Meander Plantation is within 10 miles to historic downtown Culpeper with its many unique restaurants and shops. Also, the historic township of Orange is only 7 miles away. Both townships offer shopping, dining and historic landmarks. Visitor Centers are available in both towns to make the most of your trip.

Evening Dining

Evening dining at our Virginia wine country B&B is open to the public as well as to our inn guests and features a sumptuous 5-course meal. Our talented and creative chefs bring energy and ideas to the inn - delighting the palettes of our discerning dinner guests.

We invite you to relax and experience the fine dining and creative regional cuisine that is the hallmark of our central Virginia bed and breakfast. Our mouthwatering menus and graceful dining room offer the perfect setting for an elegant evening in the heart of Virginia wine country.

Join us Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights in our classic Virginia plantation dining room for a sumptuous dinner. Each evening dinner is served at 7 pm. Mixed drinks, beer and wine for purchase, are available beginning at 6 pm. All meals are a culinary journey prepared by our talented chef. Our constantly updated menus feature the freshest of local foods and the bounties of each season. Wine pairing suggestions - featuring only the best of Virginia wines - complement each menu item.

• Served Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• 7:00 pm: Five-course Dinner Menu at $75 per person

Breakfast

Exclusively for our inn guests, breakfast is included in the room rate and is decidedly different from your everyday fare. Prepared with care by the Inn at Meander Plantation staff, our breakfasts are an enticing reason to get out of our comfy beds in the morning!

Our classic Virginia country inn dining room beckons you to greet the morning in grand style. Light streams in from the palatial windows and the aromas of baking muffins and fresh-ground coffee fill the air. Prepared by your hosts, our three-course gourmet breakfasts pamper you with distinctive and hearty fare. Be they sweet or savory, our morning entrees will satisfy any appetite. Beautifully prepared and presented, the morning menu at the Inn at Meander Plantation is a culinary experience you won't soon forget.

Wine List

Featuring the best of Virginia wines - and only Virginia wines - our wine list is quite unique. Heralded by wine experts for its impressive regional collection, it includes a nice selection of both white and red varietals.

Our Virginia wine country bed and breakfast's prime location in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills provides guests with marvelous opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of central Virginia, and the area’s many hidden treasures.  The Blue Ridge Mountain foothills are rich in prehistoric, Native American and Colonial history, as well as Revolutionary and Civil War history.  In fact, many Civil War battles were fought very close to our Virginia bed and breakfast. Nearby Charlottesville is home to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson’s estate Monticello, www.monticello.org and President James Madison’s estate Montpelier www.montpelier.org is even closer to the inn. Now the region makes history with award-winning wines from the heart of Virginia’s growing wine industry.

The Inn at Meander Plantation is within 10 miles to historic downtown Culpeper with its many unique restaurants and shops. Also, the historic township of Orange is only 7 miles away. Both townships offer shopping, dining and historic landmarks. Visitor Centers are available in both towns to make the most of your trip.

Culpeper & Orange Itinerary

1. Take a self-guided tour through downtown Culpeper -- designated one of the “Top Ten Best Small Towns in America” -- and discover the array of antiques, gift and specialty shops, fabulous restaurants, cozy coffee shops and gourmet wine stores. Experience a variety of historic architecture downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods.

2. Make sure you visit the Visitors Center located in the newly renovated Depot. The Depot is the site of the Battle of Culpeper Court House during the Civil War.  Visitors and locals alike can obtain an array of information on Culpeper, the surrounding area and the state of Virginia.

3. The Museum of Culpeper History is an excellent way to start your adventure in Culpeper. This state-of-the-art museum offers exhibits regarding Culpeper’s Revolutionary and Civil War history, displays of dinosaur tracks discovered in the local quarry, American Indian artifacts and much more. 

4. Culpeper’s central location in Northern-Virginia made it a highly-prized location for both armies during the Civil War.  You can take a drive and explore the Civil War Battlefields of Brandy Station, Kelly’s Ford and Cedar Mountain. Virginia Civil War Trails and Civil War Preservation Trust are valuable resources if you are interested in visiting the Battlefields.

5. Culpeper and Orange are home to several prestigious and Award-Winning Wineries.  All the wineries in the area welcome visitors. Take your time  to visit the vineyards, taste their excellent wines. For more information about the wineries read our winery guide, or visit www.virginiawineries.org.

6. The Town of Orange is rich with history. Named in honor of William IV, Prince of Orange, the town became Orange County’s judicial seat in 1749. The present courthouse was constructed in 1858 and Orange was incorporated in 1872.  The courthouse and St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Robert E. Lee’s place of worship during the winter of 1863-64, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although fire destroyed much of the town in 1908, many building from the 1800’s still remain.  Today, Orange is the commercial and retail center of the county. Further information about the town and county’s history may be obtained at the Visitors Center, (877) 222-8072 , located in the old train station on Main Street in the Town of Orange.

7. Virginia is “horse country” and what better way to experience the sights and sounds of horse shows at Commonwealth Park than staying at the Inn at Meander Plantation.   Commonwealth Park is home to Horse Shows In The Sun (HITS)  – a summer series featuring hunter, jumper and equitation competitions. Each event hosts approximately 900 to 1300 horses.

For more information we suggest you visit the official Culpeper Tourism, www.visitculpeperva.com.  This website has a wealth of information to help you plan your trip.

Things to Do & See

Antiques

• J S Mosby Antiques & Artifacts
  5 minutes - (540) 672-9944
  Main Street, Orange
  Civil War Memorabilia
• Melrose Antiques
  10 minutes - (540) 661-1004
  Main St. in Orange
  Open Mon.-Sat. (10-5)
• Greene House Shops
  20 minutes - (804) 985-6053
  Rts. 33 & 29, Ruckersville, VA
  Open 7 days
• Country Shoppes of Culpeper
  20 minutes - (540) 547-4000
  Rt. 29, Culpeper
• Blue Ridge Emporium
  20 minutes - (540) 948-2255
  Rt. 29, 6 mi. N of Rt. 33

• Ed Jaffe Gallery
  www.edjaffe.com
  7 minutes - (540) 672-2400
  Stone Sculpture
  Main Street, Orange
• Nichols Gallery
  www.frednichols.com
  15 minutes - (888) 994-3733
  Silkscreen, watercolor, oil media
  Barboursville, VA
• Sun's Traces
  15 minutes - (540) 832-7044
  Clay sculptures
  Barboursville. VA
• Four County Players Theater
  www.avenue.org/fourcp
  20 minutes - (540) 832-5355
  Five productions annually, including popular outdoor Shakespeare, first 3 weekends August
  Barboursville, VA

Civil War Attractions

Area between Orange & Fredericksburg was most fought over territory in the Civil War.

• Wilderness Civil War
  Battlefield & Exhibit Shelter
  25 minutes - Staffed in Summer
  www.nps.gov/
  Site of first Lee vs. Grant encounter; bloodiest and most decisive campaign of war.
• Chancellorsville Battlefield & Visitors Center - www.nps.gov/
  30 minutes - (540) 786-2880
  Staffed by US Park Service
  "Stonewall" Jackson fatally wounded
• Fredericksburg National Military Park & Visitors Center with Museum
  www.nps.gov/
  45 minutes - (540)373-6122
  Well preserved & signed small battlefield located 3/4 mile from Old Town
• Spotsylvania National Military Park
  www.nps.gov/
  45 minutes - (540) 371-0802
  Site of the Bloody Angle
• Tourguide, Ltd.
  Meets you - (540) 672-9414
  Step-On guide for Civil War & Orange Cty.
  Extremely knowledgeable
• Cedar Mountain
  www.civilwar.org
  www.friendsofcedarmountain.org
  20 minutes - (800) 234-0968
  Civil war history sites, and State Park
• Brandy Station
  www.brandystationfoundation.com
  25 minutes - (540) 727-7718
  Graffiti House, calendar of events, Civil War sites
• Manassas Battlefield
  www.nps.gov/mana
  45 minutes
  National State Park, Civil War sites & tours

Museums

• James Madison Museum
  Orange, VA
  www.jamesmadisonmus.org
  5 minutes - (540) 672-1776
  Monday thru Friday - 9am - 4pm - Weekends March to Nov. 1-4
• Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum
  Gordonsville, VA
  www.hgiexchange.org
  10 minutes - (540) 832-2944
  Civil war museum at the Exchange Hotel
  Open April -November. Monday-Sat 10-4. Sunday 1-4. CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
• Orange County Historical Society & Historical Research Center
  Orange, VA
  www.kclark.net/ochs
  5 minutes - (540) 672-5366
  Monday thru Friday - 1-5 pm. Summer Saturdays 10-4 pm.

Presidential Homes

Montpelier
Home of James & Dolley Madison
Orange, VA
www.montpelier.org
10 minutes
(540) 672-2728Hunt Races - first Sat. of Nov.
Quarterly "Big Woods Walk"
Daily tours, frequent special events
 

Monticello
Home of Thomas Jefferson
SE of Charlottesville
www.monticello.org
35 minutes
(804) 984-9800
Daily tours, garden tours in season

Ash Lawn - Highland
Home of James Monroe
40 minutes
(804) 293-9539
Daily tours-Five minutes beyond Monticello SE of Charlottesville

Nature & Adventure

• Hiking - 0-35 minutes
  Enjoy our 80 acres with numerous trails or for the more adventurous try Old Rag Mountain
• Chris Green State Park - www.albemarle.org/parks
  55 min - (434) 296-5844
  120 land acres, 62 water acres, 2 beach areas. Swimming daily, Fishing, playground and picnic areas.
• Lake Anna State Park - www.state.va.us/dcr/parks/lakeanna.htm
  35 minutes - (540) 854-5503
  13,000 acre lake, public boat landing, fishing, camping & guarded swimming. Lakefront picnic areas, bathhouse and play area.
• Marina at Lake Anna
  35 minutes - (540) 895-5051 Call for information
• Lake Orange
  25 minutes - (540) 672-4270
  124 acre lake, marina, fishing & picnic area
• Oakland Heights Farm & Horseback Riding
  7 minutes - (540) 832-3350
  Ride into the hills.
• Skydive Orange - www.skydiveorange.com
  Tandem Skydiving in Orange, VA
  10 minutes - (877) DIVESKY
  Orange Airport
• Shenandoah National Park/ Skyline Drive
  40 minutes - West on Rt. 33
• Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing Massanutten Resort - www.massresort.com
  45 minutes - West on Rt. 33

Annual Orange County Events

• Virginia Wine Festival at Montpelier
  15 minutes - (540) 672-2728
  First Weekend in May
• Orange County Fair at Montpelier
  15 minutes - (540) 672-2728
  Third weekend of July. Old fashioned & fun events, NO rides.
• Somerset Stream and Gas Pasture Party
  15 minutes - (540) 672-3429
  Last weekend of August. Demos of antiques steam engines & tractors.
• Orange Street Festival
  5 minutes - (540) 672-5216
  Saturday after Labor Day. Crafts, food and entertainment.
• Fall Fiber Festival
  15 minutes - (540)672-2728
  First Saturday in October Montpellier
  http://www.montpelier.org/special.htm
• Montpellier Horse Races
  15 minutes - (540)672-2728
   First Saturday in November
  www.montpelier.org/races.htm
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Top Virginia Wineries

Barboursville Vineyards,
17655 Winery Road, PO Box 136
Barboursville, VA 22923
(540)832-3824
Fax 540-832-7572
Website: www.barboursvillewine.com

Three great destinations in one historic estate. Virginia’s most honored winery, creative Northern Italian dining, and Historic Landmark Ruins designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Open all year round. Free tours, weekends only. Wine tasting fee of $4.00 per person includes a souvenir glass.

Gray Ghost Vineyards
14706 Lee Highway
Amissville, VA 20106
(540) 937-4869
Fax: (540)937-5091
Website: www.grayghostvineyards.com

Gray Ghost produces internationally acclaimed wine from immaculate vineyards. Enjoy southern hospitality and beautiful picnic facilities. Gray Ghost offers the original and most popular harvest program in the state.

Hours: Jan-Feb., Sat & Sun 11:00 am – 5 pm; Mar-Dec., Fri-Sun 11:00 am-5:00 pm; all Mon. and Federal Holidays. Please call ahead for weekday hours. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Fees: None. Food: light fare

Horton Cellars Winery
6399 Spotswood Trail
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540)832-7440
(800)829-4633
Fax: (540)832-7187
Website: www.hvwine.com

Taste naturally acclaimed wines in our old-world Tudor winery.  Over 30 wines include Marsanne, Viognier, Petite Manseng, Chardonnay, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Malbec, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Pear, Peach, Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, and Blackberry. 

Hours Daily 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Open Year Round. Fees None: Food: Light Fare.

Old House Vineyards
18351 Corky’s Lane
Culpeper, VA 22701
(540) 423-1032
Fax: (540)423-1320
Website: www.oldhousevineyards.com
Located near historic Culpeper, Old House offers tasting of award-winning wines in a renovated 1820’s farmhouse.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Hours: Thurs & Fri 1:00 pm – 5 pm; Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sun. Noon- 5:00 pm. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Fees: None. Food: Light Fare

Pearmund Cellars 
6190 Georgetown Road
Broad Run, VA 20137
(540) 347-3475
Website: www.pearmundcellars.com

Taste unique wines from award-winning Chris Pearmund. Experience romatic views of one of Virginia’s top quality Chardonnay vineyards. Family-owned and operated. Bring your own picnic. Children’s corner for your convenience.

Hours: Daily, Sat 6:00 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24,25,31, Jan. 1st and Easter Sunday. Fees: $2. Food: Light Fare.

Prince Michel & Rapidan River Vineyards
154 Winery Lane
Leon, VA  22725
(540)547-3707
(800) 800-WINE
Fax: (540) 547-3088
Website: www.princemichel.com

Prince Michel is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers tours of the facility, samples of their award-winning wines in the extensive wine and gift shop, and a restaurant featuring Wine Country cuisine.

Hours: Winery is open daily from 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on major holidays. Restaurant is open Thurs – Sat for lunch and dinner and Sun for lunch. Fees: None.

Rappahannock Cellars
14437 Hume Road
Huntly, VA 22640
(540) 635-9398
Fax: (540) 635-8720
Website: www.rappahannockcellars.com

This family owned and operated winery relocated from California to Virginia’s Hunt Country.  Elegant award-winning wines include Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc. 

Open Daily All Year, 11:30 am – 5 pm. Sat. 11:30 – 6:00 pm, Tour Fees: None. Tasting Fees: $3.50 first visit w/complimentary wine glass, future visits free. Food: Light Fare.

Rockbridge Vineyard
35 Hill View Lane
Rabpine, VA 24472
(888) 511-WINE
Fax: (540) 377-6204
Website: www.rockbridgevineyard.com

Winner of the 1995 and 2001 Virginia Governor’s Cup. Enjoy the splendor of the Shenandoah Valley while sampling award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vidal Blanc, and Pinot Noir.

Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun. Noon – 5 pm. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Dec 24, 25 31 and New Year’s Day. Tasting and Tour Fees: None. Food: Light Fare.

Sharp Rock Vineyards
5 Sharp Rock Road
Sperryville, VA 2270
(540) 987-8020
Website: www.sharprockvineyards.com

Located on the beautiful Huges River in an unspoiled valley at the foot of Old Rag Mountain. Award-winning wines produced in limited lots from hand-selected grapes from vineyards planted in 1992.

Hours: March – Dec. Fri, Sat and Sun 11:00 am – 5 pm. Mon. Holidays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Oct add Thurs. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, other times by appt. Tour Fees: None.  Tasting Fees: $2 (refundable with wine purchase). Food: Light Fare.

From Washington, D.C.
Take Interstate 66 west to Rt. 29 south (Gainesville exit). 29 south to Rt. 15 south (Third Culpeper Exit) towards Orange. 9 miles south on Route 15, The Inn is on your right, just past the Crooked Run River. Drive time without traffic: 1 hour 15 minutes

From Richmond
Take Interstate 64 west to Rt. 15 North. Take 15 north through Orange, The Inn is 7 miles from Orange on the left, just over the Robinson River. Drive time without traffic: 1 hour 30 minutes

From Charlottesville
Take Rt. 29 north out of Charlottesville. Turn right on Rt. 230 (Exxon and VDoT station on the corners). Follow Rt. 230 until it dead ends in Rt. 15. Turn left (north) and follow Rt. 15 about 5 miles, The Inn is the first driveway on the left after you cross the Robinson River. Drive time without traffic: 45 minutes

From Harrisonburg
Take Hwy 33 east to Hwy 230 east at Standardsville. Continue until Hwy 230 east ends at Hwy 29. Turn left onto Hwy 29 and go approximately one mile to Hwy 230 east. Turn right on Rt. 230 (Exxon and VDoT station on the corners). Follow Rt. 230 until it dead ends in Rt. 15. Turn left (north) and follow Rt. 15 about 5 miles, The Inn is the first driveway on the left after you cross the Robinson River. Drive time without traffic: 1 hour and 10 minutes